Final answer:
The phrase 'trees with Latin labels' in Robert Lowell's poem 'The Public Garden' refers to Botanical Gardens, where plants are scientifically named and studied.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Robert Lowell's poem "The Public Garden," the phrase "trees with Latin labels" suggests a type of green space where plants are not only grown but also studied and labeled for scientific purposes. The mention of trees with Latin labels is indicative of Botanical Gardens, where plant species are commonly identified with their scientific (Latin) names. These spaces are designed for the collection, cultivation, and display of a wide variety of plants labeled with their botanical names. Unlike general city parks or wilderness reserves, botanical gardens and arboretums emphasize the scientific aspect of horticulture through the labeling and classification of plants.
Botanical gardens serve both educational and recreational purposes, offering a space for the public to enjoy the aesthetic arrangement of plants while also learning about different species and their roles in the ecosystem. They align with the 19th-century idea of the redemptive power of nature, where exposure to green spaces was believed to offer a moral uplift and improve the well-being of urban dwellers. This notion is deeply rooted in the historical development of urban green spaces, such as the City Beautiful movement, which aimed at integrating practical design with the beautification of cities to improve quality of life.